So what is #spyware? How many types of spyware are there in cryptocurrency and how dangerous are they? How can you identify spyware and prevent it?
What is spyware?
Spyware is a type of malware that runs in the background and is programmed to track and record activity on infected devices and collect personal information about the user. This information is then sent to the attackers for bad purposes such as selling the data, false identity fraud, intelligence attacks, etc.
In the cryptocurrency market, hackers often use#Spywareto infiltrate computers, mobile phones and other devices to obtain private keys, login information, etc., thereby stealing user assets.
How does spyware get onto a device?
Spyware can infiltrate any device, from computers and laptops to phones and tablets.
Devices using Windows operating systems are generally more vulnerable to attacks due to limited security features. However, attackers are greedy and are increasingly creating new methods and ways to attack iOS devices.
Some common reasons why spyware can easily infiltrate a device or system include:
Bundled software: Spyware is installed inside utilities and software, such as hard drive cleaning tools, download managers, new web browsers, etc.
Weird emails: Spyware can be spread through phishing emails that contain strange files and links. When the user opens the file or clicks the link in the email, the spyware enters their device.
Spyware ads: Users visit unknown websites and click on ads containing spyware, unwittingly infecting their devices with spyware.
Security vulnerabilities: Attackers often exploit code and hardware vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to devices and#systemsto install#spywareon the device.
USB and peripheral devices with spyware: When these USBs are connected, the user's device may also be infiltrated and attacked.
Type. spyware.
There are many ways to categorize spyware, depending on its purpose and how it works. This article will categorize cryptocurrency.spyware. Intrusion: Monitoring systems, Trojans, etc. Spyware
System Monitor - System Monitor.
Spyware. Stealers in monitoring systems can also be called information stealers, which mainly collect other users' information, such as personal information, account login information, sensitive information, etc.
Here are some types of spyware and how they collect information on your device:
Keylogger: records the keys pressed by the user on the keyboard.
Screen Recorder (Sreenlogger): Capture and record images on the device screen for a period of time.
Clipboard Monitor: Targets the computer's clipboard and changes the information stored in it. Imagine when you send cryptocurrency and copy and paste the recipient's wallet address, the address is quickly stored on the clipboard. At this time, the clipboard monitor software quickly changes the wallet address information, causing the funds to be sent to the attacker's wallet address.
Memory Scraper: Scans the computer memory for important information and sends it to the attacker.
Web Injection: Injecting malicious code into websites visited by users and then collecting their important information and data.
Trojan horses and spyware
Trojans and spyware (or Trojans) are fake software that have a reliable interface and functionality, but contain malicious components inside, such as movie, song, game download links, ads, etc. The Trojan horse got its name from the famous Greek fable - the Trojan Horse.
Trojan horse software files often use the extensions .exe, .com, .scr, .bat, or .pif.
Example: A user downloads a movie or song to their computer from an unfamiliar website, not knowing that it is actually a Trojan software. When they click on the downloaded file, they accidentally open a Trojan program that is harmful to their computer. This could be: (The following content may be malicious behavior that a Trojan may produce. Due to security issues, I cannot provide details. Please pay attention to computer security risks.)
Erase your computer's hard drive.
Control the machine.
Turn off the machine's safety features.
Obtain sensitive information and send it to attackers, such as passwords to bank accounts, wallets, cryptocurrency exchanges...
Become part of a botnet and participate in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
Spyware. Botnet
A. Spyware botnet (Bot) is a network of many spyware infected devices that are remotely controlled through a common remote server. Attackers can create spyware (Trojans, keyloggers, screen recorders, etc.) to infiltrate user devices through various forms (emails, ads, pop-up notifications, image files, videos, etc.) to create botnets.
and Spyware Through a botnet, attackers can:
Make a call.
Large-scale property fraud based on information collected from the Internet.
Selling sensitive information on the black market.
How Dangerous Is Spyware in Cryptocurrency?
Spyware. They pose a threat to cryptocurrency users’ assets and can:
Get wallet private key information to control and use assets.
Tracking and monitoring every transaction, infringing on user privacy.
This paves the way for other types of malware to attack devices.
Obtain user personal information, commit fraud, and forge identities.
Unlike credit or debit cards, cryptocurrency transactions are based on blockchain technology. Once a transaction is completed, it is written into the block and cannot be reversed. Without the ability to roll back, it is almost impossible to steal the funds in the account.
The Sky Mavis Ronin hack is a prime example of the dangers of spyware.
The attacker first collected information about Sky Mavis employees and then designed a scam targeting a senior engineer at the company. He pretended to be a recruiter for another company (which did not actually exist) and sent the employee a fake job offer and an attractive salary.
After passing a mock interview with the company, the employee began sending job offers in the form of PDF files containing the spyware. Once the files were downloaded, the spyware infiltrated Sky Mavis' network and began its attacks.
The incident ended up being one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts of all time. Sky Mavis lost 173,600 ETH and $25.5 million in USDC, bringing the total loss to over $600 million at the time.
Unlike credit or debit cards, cryptocurrency transactions run on blockchain technology. Here are 10 signs of spyware on your device:
Spyware. Running in the background, it may cause the following symptoms on the user's device:
The device performance is much slower than before, with freezes and stutters during use.
The battery drains very quickly and the device heats up quickly.
Strange sounds or popping noises occur during calls.
The computer's CD-ROM drive opens and closes automatically.
When accessing the browser, pop-up ads appear on the screen.
Browser history contains a lot of strange activities that were not performed by the user.
The desktop wallpaper keeps changing and won't automatically revert.
The computer automatically changes fonts and other settings.
The left and right mouse buttons are confused, or the mouse does not appear on the computer screen.
Check for strange programs and apps that the user did not install or download.
How to Prevent Spyware in Cryptocurrency
As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow and gain widespread acceptance, hackers are becoming more dominant due to the lack of control and security in the market, and spyware is becoming a greater threat to users' assets.
So how can you avoid spyware when participating in the cryptocurrency market? Some methods include:
Turn on a firewall on your computer to prevent unauthorized access and warn you when it detects dangerous programs, applications, software, etc. trying to infiltrate your device.
Use antivirus and anti-malware software such as Bitdefender, Panda Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes, Avast, McAfee, etc. to detect and remove spyware and malware from your device.
Use two-step verification (2FA) and password management apps such as Dashlane, Sticky Password, LastPass, Password Boss, etc. to enhance security and prevent attackers from accessing your cryptocurrency accounts.
When you are not using your computer, shut it down to avoid becoming a target for spyware attacks. Users often leave their devices in "sleep" mode and do not close all tabs after use, which inadvertently makes the device more "discoverable" to attackers.
Keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches. Older versions may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to attack spyware.
Before visiting a cryptocurrency website, check the URL to make sure it is genuine and not redirecting to a fake site.
Be careful when downloading software, files, or clicking on unfamiliar links. Only download from trusted sources, such as the official website of the software provider, be cautious about free downloads from third parties, and read emails carefully before opening them or clicking on unfamiliar links.
in conclusion
The above measures will help users reduce the risk of spyware attacks when participating in the cryptocurrency market. However, maintaining a vigilant and prudent attitude in all actions is still the most important thing to protect personal information and property.
